Cupping

Cupping & Gua Sha

Cupping

Cupping is a technique that has been used for centuries, and while it most often associated with Traditional Chinese Medicines it has a rich history across many other cultures, including Russia, Ancient Greece, and even evidence of cupping techniques being used in Indigenous Australian communities.

Often cupping is used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine method which is focused around qui and meridians, however my practise is more intended to directly affect the muscle and release the soft tissue structure.
Using cups to create a vacuum, or reverse pressure, helps to create movement and stretch in the muscle and fascia to reduce areas of tension, and improve blood flow to the site of pain.

Glass cups are used, with a flame briefly inserted into the cup to consume the oxygen and create a suction when quickly places onto the site.  This method is safe, and carefully practised techniques ensure that there is not danger of burns or injury.

Static – or stationary- cups may be applied to different locations of tension and left for several minutes.
Slide cups are used with oil and slowly moved along the muscles to help create some stretch, or drag, over the fascia.

Both of these methods may leave some marks depending on how tight or stagnant the muscle structure is below the surface, but they will usually fade within a few days.  It is important to note that the marks left from cupping are not bruises and should not be called such.

Cupping may create some discomfort at first, but should not be painful, and like any massage treatment is adjusted to the level of comfort of the client.

Gua Sha

Gua Sha is another traditional medicine practice, sometimes called ‘spooning’ or ‘scraping’.  In Chinese language Gua means to ‘rub’ or ‘scrape’ and Sha refers to the red dotting or discolouration that often occurs on the skin during a treatment.
Gua sha is used to address areas of stubborn tension or aches, to reduce tiredness and fatigue, and to create movement in areas of stagnation.

This method should not be painful, in fact it is often described as a soothing treatment.  Although there are often quite distinct red marks left that may look alarming, they are a positive indicator that there has been some change created and the muscle has the opportunity to move some of the stubborn tension. These marks usually last 2-3 days before fading away.

Both cupping and Gua Sha can be included in any massage treatment.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask during your next appointment.

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Cupping & Gua Sha

Cupping is a therapy which uses glass cups to create negative pressure through a vaccuum.  It is helpful to disperse stagnation in muscles, releases stubborn tension and stretches fascia. 

Gua Sha is a method of gentle scraping to draw out stagnation or heat and relieve muscle and joint tension. 

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy helps to improve the integrity of the joints, reduce pain, assist circulation & boost the immune system.  Massage promotes wellbeing by relieving fatigue and tension from body & mind.

Remedial Massage

Remedial Massage focuses on assessment and repair of chronic or acute injuries or pain. It is a deeper treatment that may require a series of sessions to resolve a problem.

Naturopathy

Contact us for a referral to naturopaths that we collaborate with 

Osteopathy

Contact us for a referral to Osteopaths that we collaborate with. 

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is a focused, gentle therapy to help relieve the aches and pains associated with pregnancy. Comfortable mats allow you to relax fully on the table.